Rb 3 CoO 2 was prepared via the azide/nitrate route. Stoichiometric mixtures of the precursors (Co 3 O 4 , RbN 3 and RbNO 3 ) were heated in a special regime up to 500°C and annealed at this temperature for 100 h in silver crucibles. The crystal structure of the obtained red product was solved and refined by powder methods (Pnma, Z = 4, 12.3489(2), 7.6648(1), 6.2251(1) A Ê ). Rb 3 CoO 2 is isostructural with K 3 CoO 2 and contains Co 1+ , which is coordinated by two oxygen atoms forming a slightly distorted dumb-bell. Rb 3 CoO 2 decomposes at 580°C to Rb 2 O, Co and CoO.